Robert Zemeckis' cinematic innovations

CaptionVisual virtuoso

Robert Zuckerman / Paramount Pictures

By Patrick Kevin Day and Jevon Phillips In "Flight," director Robert Zemeckis will help paint a picture of Denzel Washington piloting a large passenger plane to safety amidst dramatic circumstances. The filmmaker has experience in giving an audience a unique look at a situation, often using technological trickery and computer-aided advances to maximum effect. Here are a few innovative productions that illustrate his acumen.

By Patrick Kevin Day and Jevon Phillips In "Flight," director Robert Zemeckis will help paint a picture of Denzel Washington piloting a large passenger plane to safety amidst dramatic circumstances. The filmmaker has experience in giving an audience a unique look at a situation, often using technological trickery and computer-aided advances to maximum effect. Here are a few innovative productions that illustrate his acumen. (Robert Zuckerman / Paramount Pictures)

For the highly anticipated follow-up to his 1985 hit, Zemeckis worked with Industrial Light + Magic to innovate the process of digital image compositing, which allowed him to film a scene with three versions of Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, Marty McFly Jr. and Marlene McFly all interacting naturally at the dinner table.

For the highly anticipated follow-up to his 1985 hit, Zemeckis worked with Industrial Light + Magic to innovate the process of digital image compositing, which allowed him to film a scene with three versions of Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, Marty McFly Jr. and Marlene McFly all interacting naturally at the dinner table. (Universal)